MSI, the California-based supplier of flooring, countertops, and hardscaping products, has invested $61.6 million in a new 548,000-square-foot distribution center in Suffolk, Virginia, marking a significant expansion of its East Coast operations.
The facility at 120 Westport Parkway represents a strategic victory for Virginia, which competed against Georgia, New Jersey, and South Carolina to secure the project.
The massive distribution hub will serve as MSI‘s primary East Coast logistics center, strategically positioned to utilize the Port of Virginia‘s infrastructure investments.
With McDonald Development supporting the project, the facility promises to streamline MSI’s supply chain operations across the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.
McDonald Development partnership streamlines MSI’s supply chain reach across mid-Atlantic and Midwest markets.
The company, which imports over 70,000 containers annually and manages inventory spanning 300 million square feet globally, selected Suffolk’s location to optimize delivery times and minimize lead times for regional customers. Founded in 1975, MSI has grown to employ over 3,000 people worldwide and operates more than 40 showrooms and distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada.
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration sweetened the deal with a $225,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund, while MSI additionally qualified for benefits under the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.
These incentives, combined with Virginia’s strategic location and infrastructure capabilities, proved decisive in the site selection process.
The economic impact extends beyond MSI’s operations.
The facility will create 80 new jobs in Suffolk, with the Virginia Jobs Investment Program providing funding and services for employee training through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program.
Local officials anticipate increased tax revenue and growth in surrounding service industries as the distribution center becomes fully operational.
Construction began in December 2022, aligning with VEDP’s FY2023 major economic development initiatives. The project coincides with Virginia’s broader economic expansion strategy, which includes AWS’s $35 billion data center investment announced in the same period.
The facility incorporates modern warehousing technology and logistics systems designed for scalability, positioning MSI to accommodate future growth while maintaining operational efficiency.
This investment signals broader confidence in Virginia’s business climate and economic development strategy.
The collaboration between MSI, the City of Suffolk, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership demonstrates how strategic public-private partnerships can attract major infrastructure projects.
As MSI establishes its East Coast hub, the facility stands ready to transform regional distribution patterns while strengthening Virginia’s position as a logistics powerhouse.
